A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:

I visited a new plant shop this week, and the first thing that caught my eye was the front window display. The owner had gathered her most beautiful plants right where customers would see them first. Everything else was lovely, too, but that first display set the tone for the shop.

Proofreaders and editors have a “front window,” too. Long before clients hire us, they get a glimpse of who we are, sometimes before we know they’re looking. Our websites, social profiles, and portfolios are often the first things potential clients see. 

 

First impressions aren’t only about the polished, public pieces. Smaller details say just as much about our care and professionalism. Here are a few that often get overlooked:

These details can make the difference between someone scrolling past or hiring you. It’s worth taking a few minutes to look at your own “front window.” What would someone notice first, and how can you make that moment feel a bit more welcoming?

 

P.S. One way to learn what’s already working is to ask a current client what first caught their eye about you. Their answer might surprise you and highlight something you can feature even more.

These moments made me smile this week: Harley studying a beagle in the national dog show and Mason (home from college for Thanksgiving) learning how to change his brakes with his dad. They’re sweet reminders that we learn so much by watching someone who’s already doing the work well.

 

Who are you learning from these days? Is there someone you follow online or in your work who gives you steady, helpful examples? Reply to this email and tell me. I’d love to hear.

Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently. Click the links below to read them.

I've seen this error several times in my proofreading work lately. Here's what to know:

“Worse” is the comparative form, used when comparing two things.
“Worst” is the superlative form, used when comparing three or more things or describing the absolute lowest.

Try saying “worst day” out loud. It sounds similar to “worse day,” doesn't it? The final consonant “t” doesn't always come through clearly, especially in fast or casual speech. 

This is a reminder that our ears can play tricks on us, which is why careful proofreading matters so much.

Catch of the Week screenshots come from my transcript proofreading. I can't change what a person said, but I can make sure words are spelled correctly and punctuation marks are in the right spots. If you're interested in learning more about transcript proofreading, I wrote an article about it here.

Emily Calderone Proofreading

 

 

This ceramic planter is much more than a planter to me. It once belonged to my great-grandmother Elise, who lived from 1878 to 1959. I recently visited her grave in Michigan, and having this piece of her history feels especially meaningful.

 

This planter now sits on my mantle with one of my own plants, a quiet way to feel connected to my family’s roots.

Let's keep growing together!

What did you think of today's email? I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or feedback. Email julie@theproofreadergreenhouse.com

 

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